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Course Overview

So much of our historical knowledge is rooted in Western civilization, from the stories of ancient Greece and Rome to the intellectual developments of the Renaissance. But this history tells only part of the story of our global world. Eastern civilization has its own fascinating story, with consequences that matter deeply to our lives today.

How did Eastern civilization—particularly that of China, Korea, Japan, and the nations of Southeast Asia—develop? What do we know about the history, politics, governments, art, science, and technology of these countries? And how does the story of Eastern civilization play out in today’s world of business, politics, and international exchange?

Foundations of Eastern Civilization takes you on a grand journey to explore the big accomplishments of Eastern civilization, from the material economy of day-to-day life to the political and religious philosophies that would bind these cultures together for thousands of years. Over the course of 48 ambitious lectures, Professor Craig G. Benjamin of Grand Valley State University introduces you to the many people, achievements, and ideas that came out of Eastern civilization and played a role in creating the modern world.

In this course, you will travel across continents and over the ages to arrive at a full understanding of the Eastern world.

See how climate and geography allowed powerful civilizations to emerge in certain regions.

Discover the origins of the yin and yang cosmology, the Mandate of Heaven political philosophy, and Confucianism and Daoism.

Trace the spread of ideas between East and West, especially along the Silk Roads.

Explore the rise and fall of empires—some famous and others largely unknown.

Survey the role of Eastern civilization in the 20th and 21st centuries, and see what the future may hold for the “Asian tiger” economies.

“To truly understand the modern world, it is essential to know something about the many extraordinary contributions Eastern civilization has made,” Professor Benjamin says. “Simply put, it is not enough to know just the ‘Western’ half of the story any more—both Eastern and Western are critical to understanding our present and our future.”

Foundations of Eastern Civilization offers you just that—the chance to fill in the other half of the story. You may be surprised to realize that all of us have been students of Eastern civilization, even if we have not been aware of it. Filled with captivating stories and surprising details, this course is an excellent overview of one of the most dynamic regions in the world.

Immerse Yourself in a Rich Cultural History

This course covers an impressive amount of ground, from the emergence of early cultures 10,000 years ago to the booming economies of the 21st century. China is at the hub of Eastern civilization, and when you complete this course, you’ll come away with a comprehensive understanding of its intriguing history:

Uncover the Xia dynasty, which was long thought to be legendary but for which there is now some archaeological evidence.

Study the mysterious “oracle bones” and the development of Chinese writing in the Shang dynasty.

Examine the development of different administrative structures, educational programs, and civil service exams.

Delve into the remarkable agricultural and industrial revolutions that occurred during the Song dynasty.

Along the way, you’ll meet some of the most extraordinary people in Chinese history: emperors and empresses, soldiers and envoys, administrative eunuchs, philosophers, and more. You’ll also consider the myriad inventions and innovations that drove the Chinese economy—including gunpowder, paper, the porcelain industry, and paper money.

While China is home to some of the great moments in world history, it is far from the only significant nation in the East. Professor Benjamin takes you on several extended forays to examine a wealth of other cultures:

Discover the many dynasties of Korea, the “land of the morning calm.”

Explore the extraordinary history of Japan, including a deep examination into the era of medieval shoguns and samurai warriors.

Find out about the Mongols, who had the largest continuous empire in world history.

Venture into India to witness the rise of Buddhism and other Indus civilization religions.

Witness the amazing spread of Islam throughout Southeast Asia, as well as the impact of Christian missionaries.

Unpack many of the 20th century’s most significant wars, including the Japanese aggression that culminated in World War II and the cold war conflicts in Korea and Vietnam.

Discover the Ancient Roots of Eastern Society

What unifies the foundations of Eastern civilization? With all the many cultures and nations and peoples—some of whom are little known outside highly specialized circles—what can we say about these societies as a whole?

By going back to the beginnings of Eastern civilization, Professor Benjamin shows you the groundwork for today’s global village. You’ll be surprised to find out just how far back some of the modern-day divides go. For instance, the conflicts between northern and southern Korea originated hundreds of years ago and have their roots in the peninsula’s geography.

Eastern civilization today is grounded in ancient history in a number of ways, one of the most interesting of which is the way Eastern nations think about human nature, government, and economics. Whereas the Western nations tend to take an individualist approach to society—with ideas originating in ancient Greece and Rome and expanded on during the Enlightenment—Eastern nations still tend to take a collectivist tack.

This collectivist approach has its roots in the Warring States Era at the end of the Zhou dynasty, when philosophers reflected on human nature and the best way to organize society.

Confucius and his followers created a model of ethical leadership based on education and moral behavior.

Daoists withdrew from society and looked to harmony in the cosmos and the natural world.

Legalists imposed gruesome punishments to enforce the rule of law.

Each of these philosophies had different notions of human nature and laid out a different path to forming an orderly state. These philosophies provide an important foundation for Eastern thought, and their approaches to government are completely different from our conceptions in the West. Yet in today’s interconnected world, it’s more important than ever to understand the cultural foundations of countries with which we interact, do business, and negotiate global politics.

Witness a Dynamic Cultural Exchange

During the Han dynasty, the Silk Roads connected East and West and enabled a surprising amount of cross-cultural interaction and exchange. The West received goods and information from the East—including silk and spices—but the East also learned about the West, that other civilizations existed beyond the mountains, deserts, and nomadic tribes of Central Asia. Professor Benjamin takes you on a voyage along the Silk Roads and introduces you to many of the unsung heroes of history:

The Xiongnu

The Yuezhi

The Kushans

The Parthians

The Mongols

You’ll also meet the Chinese ambassador Zhang Qian, whose breathtaking escapades blazed a trail for the Silk Roads. You’ll travel the caravan routes, consider what it would have been like to stop at one of the many “caravanserai”—the inns where merchants would stop along the trade routes—and study the Kushan Empire, a little-known and little-studied “lost civilization” of important middlemen in what is now Afghanistan.

In addition to the Silk Roads, you’ll explore the vibrant cross-cultural exchange within the East itself. China heavily influenced Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, yet these nations also evolved as independent, distinct cultures. How did these countries develop? What was their relationship to China? How did China influence them, and how did they influence China?

Enjoy an Inside Look at a Fascinating Civilization

Foundations of Eastern Civilization is a sweeping course, taking you across time and space. But after providing the broad strokes, Professor Benjamin zooms in on specifics to give you a flavor for the texture of daily life. You’ll learn about massive building projects such as the Great Wall of China. You’ll encounter the great art and architecture, the poetry and literature, and the many other artifacts from the East:

Ancient burial tombs in China

Chulmun pottery from ancient Korea

Calligraphy, poetry, and novels from the great Tang dynasty

The oldest surviving printed document in world history

Famous Japanese novels

Throughout all of these lectures, Professor Benjamin is a lively guide and a dazzling storyteller, taking you inside the great cities where riches abound—jewels, silks, and great works of art. He shares several stories from his visits to these locations, and many of his personal photographs add a charming touch to the course. Indeed, his enthusiasm for the subject and his remarkable style of lecturing will open up an entirely new world for you as he unfolds the story of Eastern civilization.

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48 lectures

| Average 29 minutes each

1

Journey to the East

Embark on your exciting voyage through the geography, history, people, and culture of Eastern civilization with a reflection on three key words of the course. What do we mean by “Eastern”? By “civilization”? By “foundations”? This lecture readies you for the fascinating journey to come. x

2

Yin and Yang—The Geography of China

Start with the geography and climate of China, the very cradle of Eastern civilization. After looking at the geographical regions of China, you’ll explore the country’s two great river systems—the Huang Ye (or Yellow River) and the Yangtze (or Chang Jiang)—which have divided Chinese culture into two distinct regions. x

3

Early China and the Mysterious Xia

Go back to the beginnings of Chinese history and see what archaeological evidence tells us about humans in the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. Then look at the fragmented cultures of early civilizations—including the mysterious Xia dynasty, which, until recently, was thought to be a purely mythical culture. x

4

The Coming of the Shang

While we still don’t know much about the Xia dynasty, we have indisputable evidence that the Shang dynasty was responsible for the development of Chinese writing, the creation of a complex social structure, and the construction of the first large cities in East Asia. In this lecture, you’ll visit the cities and tombs of the first significant Chinese dynasty. x

5

The Shang and Writing for the Gods

In this second lecture on the Shang dynasty, learn about the enigmatic “oracle bones” and the origins of Chinese writing. Then turn to the Shang society’s social organization, religious practices, and cosmology, and find out how one of the core cultural and philosophical beliefs of Eastern civilization—the concept of yin and yang—emerged during the Shang dynasty. x

6

The Zhou and the Mandate of Heaven

Unpack a core theme in the foundation of Chinese government. The Mandate of Heaven—a belief that seizure of power could be justified as an expression of divine will—would resonate in Chinese political history for 3,000 years. Learn about the Zhou’s overthrow of the Shang dynasty and the rich legacy of the Zhou dynasty. x

7

Great Ideas of the Zhou—Confucianism

During the Warring States Era at the end of the Zhou dynasty, several great Chinese thinkers considered the nature of society and government. Since that era, Confucianism has been the guiding philosophy of China and much of East Asia for more than 2,500 years. Find out about Confucius’s life, his philosophy, and his followers. x

8

Great Ideas of the Zhou—Later Confucianism

Return to the followers of Confucius and consider two contrasting views of human nature and political theory. While Mencius believed humans were innately good and were entrusted with the Mandate of Heaven, Xunzi believed human nature was essentially evil. Both philosophers, however, remained faithful to Confucius’s belief in the need for well-educated, ethical rulers. x

9

Great Ideas of the Zhou—Daoism

Continue your study of great Chinese philosophy with a thorough examination of Daoism, which runs counter to Confucianism’s rationality and civic engagement. Daoism offers a path for humans to live in harmony with the natural world and the cosmos by retreating from the world of politics and society. x

10

Great Ideas of the Zhou—Legalism

Conclude your survey of the Zhou dynasty’s great philosophical traditions with a look at the principles of Legalism—strict laws enforced by gruesome punishment in order to create an orderly state. Meet Legalism’s key thinkers and examine the philosophy’s legacy in defining Eastern societies through the present day. x

11

The Qin and the First Emperor of China

After the Warring States Era, the Qin dynasty emerged. Although the Qin ruled China for only 15 years, the dynasty established a model of government that became the country’s template for the next 2,000 years. Meet China’s first emperors and study the impact of Qin rule, from political reform to massive building projects. x

12

Contact with the West—The Early Han

To this day, the Chinese still refer to themselves as “the Han people.” What made the Han dynasty such an enduring part of Chinese history? How did it lay down important foundations for Eastern civilization? Witness the age of imperial expansion and see how Han dynasty emperors consolidated China under a strong central government—and how that government eventually unraveled. x

13

Triumph and Tragedy—The Later Han

In this second lecture on the Han, you explore the dynasty’s deep and vibrant cultural legacy, from its system of education to its porcelain pottery and jade burial suits. You’ll also look at the Han’s extraordinary innovations in science and technology, including the iron industry and the invention of paper. x

14

Silk Roads—In the Footsteps of Nomads

In this first of five lectures on the Silk Roads—the pathways that connected China with the West during the Han dynasty—Professor Benjamin introduces you the pastoral nomads who rivaled the Han dynasty and played a critical role in creating trade routes by migrating into Central Asia. x

15

Silk Roads—The Envoy Zhang Qian

Meet the Chinese ambassador Zhang Qian, whose epic adventure changed the course of world history. His story begins with an expedition into the neighboring Xiongnu territory, where he was captured and held hostage for 10 years. After a daring escape, he fled west into Central Asia and returned to China with fabulous stories, which inspired the emperor to send him on several subsequent missions west. x

16

Silk Roads—Perils of Camels and Caravans

Discover the many geographical challenges merchants faced as they made their way into Central Asia. Trace the route a caravan would take, west across mountains and deserts, and discover the various middlemen responsible for the transmission of goods and information between China and, eventually, Europe. x

17

Silk Roads—Rome and Roads from the West

Step back from Eastern civilization and explore life from the Roman perspective. After an overview of Roman history, you’ll find out how Mediterranean traders organized their end of the exchange with the East and what impact silk and other luxury goods from Asia had on Greco-Roman culture. x

18

Silk Roads—The Lost Kushan Empire

Examine one of the great “lost civilizations.” Although they are largely unknown outside of specialist circles, the Kushans played an immensely important role as middlemen in the trade routes between China and the Roman Empire. Find out who the Kushans were and what makes them so crucial to the story of the Silk Roads. x

19

Origins of Buddhism

Take another excursion away from East Asia—this time to explore the Indian origins of Buddhism. Learn about the gods of the Indus civilization, the origins of the caste system, and the emergence of new religions in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C.E. After studying the life of Siddhartha Gautama, you’ll survey the key beliefs and practices of Buddhism. x

20

The Age of Disunity

Return to China and the era of fragmentation and conflict that followed the fall of the Han dynasty. Three kingdoms emerged, followed by the Jin and Sui dynasties. In this age of disunity, Buddhism made remarkable inroads into China as an alternative to Confucianism and Daoism, offering hope of salvation during a chaotic period. x

21

The Great Taizong and the Rise of the Tang

After 350 years of fragmentation, the short-lived Sui dy¬¬nasty unified China in the year 581, laying the foundation for the great Tang dynasty. See how the Tang dynasty reorganized China into a powerful, prosperous, and culturally sophisticated¬ society by reforming the government and capitalizing on the demand for Chinese products, thanks to the Silk Roads. x

22

Changan and the Glittering Tang

Go inside the splendid court of Emperor Xuanzong in the great capital city of Changan. During Xuanzong’s 44-year reign in the 8th century, foreign merchants, students, and pilgrims bustled around the court. Stylish women were adorned with jewels from all over Eurasia. Art and poetry flourished, creating one of the most fashionable and cultured courts in the entire world. x

23

Korea—Mysterious Beginnings

In the first of four lectures about Korea, Professor Benjamin surveys the nation’s rugged terrain, its mountains and caves and rivers. He then uses archaeological evidence to trace the emergence of civilization in the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, when early clan-based villages produced distinctive pottery and had a fascinating variety of religious beliefs. x

24

Korea—The Land of Morning Calm

Continue your study of Korea with a look at how ancient values and ideas, which were firmly rooted in the environment, became the foundations of the culture and history of the Korean people. Consider the early interaction between China and Korea, and witness the emergence of three powerful kingdoms that appeared late in the 1st century B.C.E. x

25

Korea—The Unified Silla

Discover how the Silla kingdom united most of Korea by forging an alliance with the Tang dynasty in China. After examining how the Silla kingdom was organized, you’ll turn to the northern Parhae kingdom—the beginning of a long history of division between north and south on the Korean peninsula. x

26

Korea—The Koryo

Following the end of the Silla kingdom, the Koryo dynasty would rule Korea for nearly 500 years and would be remembered as the most important and successful of all Korea’s dynasties. This lecture examines the Koryo dynasty’s government, culture, society, and bitter struggle with the Mongols. x

27

Japan—Geography and Early Cultures

Shift your attention to the islands of Japan. In this first of four lectures, you’ll explore the nation’s geography—notably its mountains, fertile plains, and surrounding sea. Then you’ll discover the many rituals and achievements of several early cultures, including the Neolithic people who created what is perhaps the world’s first pottery. x

28

Japan—Treasures of the Tomb Period

Investigate several important stages in the cultural development of Japan: the Bronze Age of the Yayoi culture, the matriarchal Yamatai kingdom and its splendid tombs, and the emergence of the first genuine state in Japan. You’ll also look at the ongoing relationships between Japan, Korea, and China, and the impact of Buddhism on Japanese culture. x

29

Japan—Nara and the Great Eastern Temple

In 710, Japan’s capital was moved to what is now Nara, and this shift marks the beginning of a new era in Japanese history. Tour the splendid new capital city, with its great halls and temples. The period’s art, architecture, painting, and transcultural exchange created an extraordinary cosmopolitan environment. x

30

Japan—The World of the Heian

In this final foray into Japan, you’ll study the Heian period, which is one of the most fascinating periods in Japanese history. The Heians created a new political and social system that would dominate the country for a millennium. Unpack the era’s political factions and the principles of land ownership, then turn to its artistic and literary achievements. x

31

Southeast Asia—Vietnam

Travel back to the mainland and experience the history and culture of Vietnam, from its earliest interactions with ancient China through its colonization by the French in the 18th century. This engaging lecture shows you the tense relations between the Chinese and the Vietnamese, and it sets the stage for the cold war conflicts of the 20th century. x

32

Southeast Asia—Indian and Islamic Influences

Trace the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam through Southeast Asia and see how these belief systems affected the history of Eastern civilization. This region served as a commercial and cultural hub, where Arabian, Indian, and East Asian cultures came together in interesting ways. x

33

The Industrial Revolution of the Song

Revisit China with an overview of the Song dynasty, whose rulers encouraged impressive advancements in civil administration, industry, education, and the arts. The Southern Song dynasty was responsible for a remarkable series of developments that transformed China into a global economic powerhouse, fueled by innovations such as the mass production of porcelain, the invention of gunpowder, and more. x

34

Intellectual and Cultural Life of the Song

Experience everyday life in the Song dynasty, a prosperous, cosmopolitan, and very modern society. Consider the culture’s foreign influences, the emerging xenophobia, the subordinate role of women, and the dynasty’s impact on the global economy. Then see why Song innovations did not spread throughout the rest of the world. x

35

The Mongols Conquer the World

Who were the Mongols, and how did they create the largest contiguous empire in all of world history? In this lecture, you’ll discover the origins of the Mongolian Empire and find out what made the Mongols so effective at expanding their realm. From murder and mayhem to careful planning and discipline, the Mongols have a remarkable story. x

36

Shaking the Foundation—Mongols in the East

Look beyond the military success of the Mongols and reflect on the impact their empire had on Eastern civilization. From trade to global communication, the Mongols facilitated a global system that joined East and West Eurasia in a “world system.” In this lecture, you’ll also meet Marco Polo, Qubilai Khan, and more. x

37

The Rise of the Ming

In the wake of Mongol destruction, China’s Ming dynasty emerged as a deeply conservative society dedicated to maintaining stability and tradition. These were peaceful—yet economically stagnant—years marked by problems such as piracy, an inept and disinterested government, famines, and rebellions. x

38

Great Treasure Fleets of the Ming

Delve into the Ming dynasty’s great naval expeditions, led by the fascinating admiral Zheng He, a eunuch who crossed the Indian Ocean and brought rare and exotic treasures back to China. Then turn to Christianity and meet some of the Jesuit missionaries who visited China during the Ming dynasty—and consider some of the important ramifications of these missions. x

39

The Qing—Nomads Return from the North

Follow the rise of the Qing dynasty, which followed a series of Manchu raids into China during the 17th century. Professor Benjamin explains why the Ming dynasty failed, and he then introduces you to two of the Qing dynasty’s most effective rulers. He concludes with a discussion of why the dynasty began to fail in the 19th century. x

40

The Qing—The Last Emperor of China

After thousands of years, the dynastic system came to an end in China in 1912 with the abdication of Emperor Puyi at the age of six. Survey the many problems faced by the Qing dynasty in the 19th century—including the Opium Wars, peasant uprisings and rebellions, and the expanding European empires. x

41

Korea Choson—Rise of the Yangban

Revisit Korea for a two-lecture “miniseries” on the Choson dynasty, which ruled Korea for more than 500 years. Choson elites adopted a Neo-Confucian political doctrine, expanded Korean territory, and created a tiered social structure that ranged from slaves to land-owning nobility. Explore the many achievements of this dynasty. x

42

Korea Choson—The Last Dynasty

By the 19th century, the Choson people had become suspicious of outsiders. See how they navigated Japanese aggression in the 19th century, as well as the competition between Japan, China, and Russia. This lecture concludes with a look at the Japanese occupation of Korea in the first half of the 20th century and sets the stage for the next two lectures. x

43

Medieval Japan—Samurai and Shoguns

Enter what historians sometimes call Japan’s “medieval period,” in which military governors known as “shoguns” commanded the state. Look at the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Tokugawa Shogunate periods, as well as the famous samurai warriors who played a distinctive role in Japanese life. Then turn to the era’s entertainment culture. x

44

Tokugawa and Meiji Japan

Following a political crisis in the 19th century, Emperor Meiji enacted a complete political, economic, and social reorganization of Japan, which transformed the country into a modern global and military industrial power. Watch as the nation became an imperial power and see what led to the Japanese role in World War II. x

45

The People’s Republic of China

The last section of the course turns to a look at the 20th century and Eastern civilization today. Begin with a look at the political rebellions in China that led to the establishment of today’s republic. You’ll meet Mao Zedong, Sun Yatsen, and Chiang Kai-shek, and you’ll witness the conflicts between Nationalist and Communist parties. x

46

Isolation and Cold War Conflicts

Continue your study of the transformation of Eastern civilization in the 20th century with an examination of the cold war and the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. You’ll investigate the wars in Korea and Vietnam and learn about the global causes and local impact of each conflict. x

47

The Rise of the East Asian Tigers

In the later 20th century, Mao’s successors led China through what has been dubbed the “four modernizations”—significant progress in agriculture, industry, science and technology, and defense. See how China has adapted to the global world, the role of Hong Kong, and the emergence of other “Asian tigers” in the global economy. x

48

The Enduring Ideas of Eastern Civilization

End your journey through the story of Eastern civilization by reflecting on the role of East Asia in the world today. What insights do the events at Tiananmen Square in 1989 shed on the people of China? Will China eventually democratize? What will become of China’s One Child Policy? How will the story of Eastern civilization continue to unfold? x

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Craig G. Benjamin, Ph.D.

Grand Valley State University

Dr. Craig G. Benjamin is Associate Professor of History in the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where he teaches East Asian civilization, big history, ancient Central Asian history, and historiography. He earned his undergraduate education at The Australian National University in Canberra and Macquarie University in Sydney, and his Ph.D. in Ancient History from Macquarie University....

Reviews

Foundations of Eastern Civilization is rated
4.5 out of
5 by
77.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
EmilyF from
achieves the impossibleI have enjoyed all the Great Courses I have purchased so far - but this has to be the very best. Professor Benjamin is nothing less than spell-binding. I felt as though I was being told a story by a great story-teller rather than hearing a series of lectures. Over and over I was saying to myself "Oh! so that's why ......."
Using China as the base, other Eastern entities (Nomadic peoples, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam) were introduced and explained seamlessly. Benjamin clearly loves his subject and I think anyone uninterested in humanity's past and it's impact on the present would also enjoy this course. This is the first time I have heard the term "Big History" - and boy does it work for me. As soon as the last lecture finished, I ordered his course "The Big History of Civilizations. Get the DVD for the visuals.

Date published: 2019-05-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Jamin from
Foundations of Eastern CivilizationI just watched this 36 lecture series and was overwhelmingly impressed with how Prof. Hardy managed and presented this complicated and potentially confusing topic. It met my expectation. Thus far, it provided me a rough picture of this subject. I have to admit that perhaps 95% of what I heard from this series have been mixed up. It is by no means the fault of Prof. Hardy. This complicated subject covers so many things. I plan to watch this series again (and very likely, several more times) to truly grab what are in this series. My only suggestion is to add the names of the Chinese scholars in this series in Chinese characters next to their names in English. I can read Chinese characters and got confused a number of times exactly whom was mentioned based on his/her name in English. Thank you.

Date published: 2019-05-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Emcarr from
I like the lecturer...The lecturer obviously has a passion for his subject and he tells it like a story. It’s hard to stop listening. In fact, I listen to each episode at least 3 times. I never knew history could be so engrossing. HIs love of his subject is contagious.

Date published: 2019-04-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Ringothedingo2019 from
Far Better Than I ExpectedProfessor Benjamin knows his material and he presents it to the listener in a manner that keeps the attention riveted to the topic through all 48 lectures. I almost wanted to deduct a star (or maybe just half a star) for his awful mangling of so many Asian names throughout the course, sometimes even mispronouncing the same name in two or three different ways at different times, all equally wrong. I finally realized however, that a) few people have mastered all the various languages that make appearances throughout this sweeping course, and b) I suspect he may have even done it on purpose at times, a sly tactic to keep our attention focused. That nitpick aside, this is a fantastic series of lectures. I have lives in Asia for a dozen years and have graduate degrees in Asian History and I still learned more than I expected I would. Thank you, professor. Well done.

Date published: 2019-04-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
potkas7 from
Something Truly SpecialOver the last 25 years I have watched hundreds of Teaching Company/Great Courses lectures. If you ask me who was my favorite presenter I'd normally name the last guy I saw. They're all superb. But Craig Benjamin's presentation is something special. He is both knowledgeable regarding the material and dynamic in his presentation. I watched the series twice, then went out and bought Benjamin's book "Empires of Ancient Eurasia," to learn more. This one is a keeper. I just recommended this course to a friend who has an interest in Chinese Culture.

Date published: 2019-04-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Omnivore2 from
Excellent excursion into a new area of studyDr. Benjamin does everything right in this course from a didactic perspective. He’s dynamic, energetic, sincere, and obviously totally into his subject; his lectures are well organized both individually and as part of the whole 48-part story; he connects unusually well with his audience (with my wife and me, anyway--not an easy thing to do in a series presented to a studio full of cameras and technicians). Neither of us had studied China—the focal point of the course, despite excursions into Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia—and we learned an enormous amount. I even learned the names of all the main Chinese dynasties, in order, thanks to his “Frere Jacques” ditty… At the time we did this course (and I originally wrote this analysis) four years ago, it was one of our top four favorites among the courses the two of us had watched together (along with Hirsch’s “How to Look at and Understand Great Art”, Wysession’s “The World’s Greatest Geological Wonders”, and Albala’s “Food: A Cultural Culinary History”).

Date published: 2019-01-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Audel from
Wonderful Introduction & Balanced OverviewAs an East Asian historian who is focused primarily on China and Japan, I already had a strong background and understanding of Eastern Civilization so I didn't expect to get too much out of it except to maybe learn something new about Korea.
Boy was I wrong!
I had actually purchased the course as an afterthought because it was recommended to me as part of a bundle with another course I was buying and decided why not. It was worth every penny! It turned out to be one of the best courses I have ever purchased and here's why:
Depth & Presentation of Content - Professor is extremely knowledgeable, non-biased, and enthusiastic in delivering the course content (I would have loved to have him as a college professor)
Well-Rounded Overview - In my opinion as an East Asian historian, the content is perfectly balanced between the multiple countries and is not too heavy on China which tends to be the focus of many books and courses I have read and taken; I also thoroughly enjoyed the emphasis he placed on the Silk Road and the Central Asian nomads role in Eastern Civilization as well as the short detour to Southeast Asia
*A small word of caution to the uninitiated, the names of people and places can be confusing and a map does wonders if you're unfamiliar with the region. As such, I would highly recommend reading the guidebook in conjunction with the lectures.
If you want to know more about East Asia or just want to brush up on your knowledge, then I would definitely recommend this course.

Date published: 2018-12-14

Rated 5 out of
5 by
karate from
Wealth of KnowledgeThe professor gives an enthusiastic and well organized history of thousands of years of Eastern Civiliation history. I found that I looked forward to each lecture. I am very impressed by his deep knowledge and his ability to present it in an easy and enthusiastic manner.Thouroughly delightful.
Not having been raised where these cultures would have been studied in school, I found this course an excellent learning experience in overall Eastern history. The subject history is intriguing and significant.
I would rate this as one of the three best 'Great Courses' that I have listened to, which is about 35. I would rate the presenter as one of the top two.